Matchup
Heavy AP damageHigh sustainSustained DPSHeavy CC
Build vs Swain
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
100%Anti AD
Anti CC
Anti Tank
DPS
100.0% WR1 games
Precision
Fleet Footwork
Triumph
Legend: Alacrity
Cut Down
Inspiration
Cash Back
Cosmic Insight
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Talon
SwainAggressive
Careful
Careful
Swain's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Ravenous Flock (P)
Swain's ravens collect Soul Fragments that heal him and permanently increase his maximum health.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7s | 22s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 5s | 22s | 12s | 2m |
| 9 | 3s | 21s | 12s | 2m |
| 11 | 3s | 20s | 12s | 2m |
| 16 | 3s | 18s | 11s | 2m |
| 18 | 3s | 18s | 10s | 2m |
Playing against Swain
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
1
Stay out of his R drain range — if you can't burst him, back off and wait for R to expire.
2
His E root triggers on the RETURN: dodge the returning projectile, not the outgoing one.
3
Grievous Wounds reduces his R drain and passive heals — buy it early.
4
Swain is vulnerable to long-range champions who can poke him without entering his drain zone.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026